Francis Habgood, the current Deputy Chief Constable, will take up the reins from April 1, after being confirmed by Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld.

Mr Habgood has been in his current role for seven years.

Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel supported my choice of Francis Habgood to be the next Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. He has done an excellent job as Deputy Chief Constable and I look to forward to working with him in the future.”

Trevor Egleton, Chairman of the Thames Valley Police Police Crime Panel, said: “We are pleased to ratify the appointment and are looking forward to working with the Police Crime Commissioner and the new Chief Constable.”

Francis Habgood said: “I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police. Having worked for the Force for 11 years, I know how committed officers, staff and volunteers are to keeping our communities safe and providing the public with an emergency service they look to in their hour of need.

“I do not underestimate the challenges ahead but I look forward to building on our successes, particularly the high levels of public satisfaction and reductions in crime.”